Description

It’s time to sell our beloved narrowboat Malena ahead of moving abroad in the New Year. Built in 2000 by renowned builder Mel Davis, she combines solid steelwork with a bespoke fit-out. Over the past year we have extensively modernised her for low-maintenance, off-grid living, while retaining the original woodwork and craftsmanship.

She has been a reliable and comfortable home, taking us on a memorable slow cruise from Loughborough to London. We will miss her dearly but she has made us boaters for life!

Key Features
• Premium builder – Mel Davis boats are rare on the market.
• Excellent hull (surveyed Aug 2024) – 10/6/4 steel, minimal wastage, anodes still fit for purpose.
• Hull epoxy-coated in 2021 with top-grade 2-pack.
• Only 3 owners from new
• Slightly wider than average beam of 7ft
• Semi-trad stern with mahogany trims and fitted cover; full-length steel grab rails.
• New Hobbit Salamander multi-fuel stove + twin-wall flue (2024, both with 5 yr warranty).
• Custom bow cushioned seating area with steel cratch, glazed board, canvas sides, and full decking.
• Tinted windows and thermal curtains for temp control
• Exterior paintwork in very good condition.
• Stern gland repacked (Aug 2024).
• BMC 1.5 diesel engine, twin alternator, regularly serviced (most recent in Nov 2024 included new drive belts and polar end cap).
• Large stainless steel water tank (~800L).
• Pump-out toilet with large tank (venting improved, serviced 2025).
• Fixed double berth + convertible dinette double, both with excellent storage.
• Deep double wardrobe.
• Boat Safety Certificate valid until July 2027.

Major Upgrades (2024–25)

Security
• High-quality stern hatch lock (no padlocks, key entry, warranty).
• Refurbished side-hatch lock (warranty).
• CCTV system with remote access.

Heating & Hot Water
• New Salamander Hobbit stove with twin wall flue, fitted with 5-year warranty.
• Immersion heater for hot water (Eberspacher installed but currently non-operational).

Electrics & Home Comforts
• 2 × 525W solar panels on triangle mounts.
• Victron SmartSolar 50A MPPT controller.
• Victron BMV-712 battery monitor + Bluetooth dongle.
• Sunshine Solar 2500W inverter with RCD.
• New USB and USB-C sockets by bed.
• Thermal blackout curtains.
• Motion-sensor cupboard lighting.
• Increased under-bed storage.

Plumbing
• New water pump (2025) + spare included.
• Under-sink filtration system with dedicated tap.
• New bathroom faucets.

Other Additions
• Wall-mounted TV, Fire Stick, and WiFi kit.
• New bilge pump, rubberised fender covers.
• Roof-mounted greenhouse, tower fan.
• 250kg trolley + four 25L water butts.
• Sea- and river-ready: equipped with sea anchor and sea toilet.

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Condition
• Survey (Aug 2024): hull and structure rated excellent; only minor cosmetic notes (since addressed).
• Blacking recommended at next haul-out (London quote: £1,400 for basic blacking – reflected in price).
• Engine runs smoothly and reliably; twin alternator provides strong charging.
• Gas safety certificate issued Aug 2024.
• Large gas locker for 2 × 13kg bottles.

Included in Sale
All receipts for warranty purposes, spare parts, tools, boating equipment, liveaboard kit, and optional furniture/appliances if desired e.g. shark cordless vacuum, rice cooker. As we are moving abroad we can be really flexible in what we can leave you to make your move to Malena as smooth as possible. We even have a stockpile of wood and fuel for the stove that we can handover. Potentially all you need is your clothes and Malena is home-ready!

Price: £57,999, very much priced to sell as we are keen to move abroad, serious offers considered
Location: London - viewing location to be confirmed - we continuously cruise and live aboard

Viewings: message me. We can live aboard until December or arrange earlier handover if needed. Any questions I am happy to help. Thanks!

Specifications

Engine(s)

BMC 1.8

Location Map